Medications & the Eye

Keeping fit and a good diet has always been known to play a key role in maintaining our General Health. Sometimes that may not be enough and our doctor may advise extra help is necessary to regulate our bodies by taking medications. The main reason for this, is to enable us to continue as normal with our daily activities and prolong our lives for as long as possible.

The majority of medications prescribed are taken orally, which is absorbed into our bloodstream and then transported to the target organ. However, these medications may affect the other organs in our bodies including our eyes.

The following symptoms can be due to side effects of medications:

~ Blurred Vision.

~ Sensitivity to light.

~ Dry or grittiness in eyes.

~ Eye pain or ‘pressure’.

~ Difficulty focusing.

During your Eye Exam, your optometrist will ask if you’re taking any medications. This is to identify any probable side effects which may be related to any symptoms reported.

Side effects can manifest after a long period of time with certain medications taken.

For any eye treatments, particularly Cataract surgery, medications are considered to rule out (and eliminate) post surgery complications.

Below is a list of medications which can cause side effects to our eyes.

Amiodarone – Prescribed for Arrhythmias. Can cause deposits on the Cornea – called Vortex Keratopathy.

Antihistamines & Allergy medications – Calms the symptoms of itchy eyes and runny nose. Can reduce tear production leading to Dry eyes. 

Antidepressants – Mood altering medications can cause focusing problems and Dry eyes.

Anti-Coagulants (Aspirin, Clopidogrel Warfarin & Apixaban) are prescribed for Atrial Fibrillation. The aim is to regulate heart rate. They can cause blood vessel walls to become delicate which can lead to superficial bleeds on the retina.

Antibiotics – Most commonly issued medications for bacterial infections can cause itching, eye redness, light sensitivity and Dry eyes. 

Blood pressure medications – Regulates the blood flow through our veins. A common side effect is Dry eyes.

Chloroquine & Hydroxychloroquine – medication for Arthritis. Yellow deposits on retina and macula may be formed. This can then lead to Maculopathy (changes to the Macula). Those on these medications are normally recommended to have an eye exam annually to monitor for changes. Some Health authorities (depending on the location of where you live) have a screening assessment in place to assess for changes, so that any action required may be taken promptly.

Gabapentin – medication for nerve pain and seizures. Can cause double vision and visual field defects. Nystagmus may develop (involuntary eye movements).

Oxybutynin – An anticholinergic which is a chemical messenger blocker, used to treat overactive bladder. Can cause Dry eyes and blurred vision.

Isotretinoin & Vitamin A – Acne medications can affect lipid production in eyelid glands, hence leading to Dry eyes. 

Prednisolone/Dexamethasone – medication for treating inflammation, Asthma and Psoriasis. It can induce raised infra-ocular pressure which could lead to open angle Glaucoma. Cataract is a common side effect.

Tamoxifen – 1st line of treatment after Breast Cancer therapy. Prescribed to block Oestrogen binding to breast tissue. May cause deposits on the lens, macula oedema ( swelling in the macula area) and retinal changes.

Tamsulosin – medication prescribed to improve urinary flow, used to treat enlarged prostate. Can lead to Floppy eyelid syndrome (damage to the Iris), hence why caution is heeded with Cataract surgery.

 If you experience any unusual symptoms with any new medication, you must inform your Doctor first before seeing your Optometrist.

Any Questions? Please get in touch.